Hua Hin, Cha Am
Hua Hin (หัวหิน) is a seaside resort city in Thailand. It is popular with Thais, having become quite fashionable as a weekend getaway spot for Bangkok residents, as well with foreigners and as an ex-pat retirement or holiday home location. Although developing rapidly, there is a commitment by the local and provincial authorities to avoid the kind of overheated blight that has affected other beach resorts in Thailand.
Discovered as a resort in the early 1920s by King Prajadhipok, Hua Hin is closely associated with the Thai royalty and is a quiet and relaxing seaside resort ideal for family vacations, a reasonable 2,5 hours drive down from Bangkok. Until 1934, it was known as Samore Riang (สมอเรียง), or "rows of rocks". The tranquil fishing village was turned into a royal resort and consequently became popular among Siam's nobility and upper class. In 1928, Prajadhipok built his Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace. As of 2007, Klai Kangwon is a full-time residence of the current king and is not open for visitors, although the outer palace grounds are open for walkers and joggers from 4PM to 7PM daily (Wear shoes and bring your passport). The 5 km long beach itself is pretty, more so than Pattaya's, and the sea is relatively clean. However, most of the beach could completely disappear in certain parts of the coast during high tide. Besides just sunbathing, snorkeling and swimming, visitors can also enjoy golf, spas, caves, peaks, waterfalls, shops, seafood and nearby national parks. The town is warm and laid-back making it ideal for families and couples.
HUA HIN & CHA AM MAP
